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Abstract:
In Drosophila, ecdysone hormone levels determine the timing of larval development. Its production is
regulated by the stereotypical rise in prothoracicotropic
hormone (PTTH) levels. Additionally, ecdysone
levels can also be modulated by nutrition (specifically
by amino acids) through their action on Drosophila
insulin-like peptides (Dilps). Moreover, in glia,
amino-acid-sensitive production of Dilps regulates
brain development. In this work, we describe the
function of an SLC7 amino acid transporter, Sobremesa
(Sbm). Larvae with reduced Sbm levels in glia
remain in third instar for an additional 24 hr. These
larvae show reduced brain growth with increased
body size but do not show reduction in insulin
signaling or production. Interestingly, Sbm downregulation
in glia leads to reduced Ecdysone production
and a surprising delay in the rise of PTTH levels.
Our work highlights Sbm as a modulator of both brain
development and the timing of larval development
via an amino-acid-sensitive and Dilp-independent function of glia.
